A WEATHER warning for snow and ice has been issued for Dorset.

On Sunday, forecasters warned of snowfall across the country on Tuesday and Wednesday, but said Dorset was unlikely to be affected.

However, yesterday morning they issued a new warning that covers Bournemouth, Poole and the rest of Dorset.

The yellow warning, which means snow and ice will be likely but have a low impact, will be in force between 12pm on Tuesday and 11am on Wednesday.

And this morning, yet another warning for snow and ice was published for Thursday and Friday.

The Met Office's chief forecaster said: "A band of rain will arrive across Wales, northern and western England through the middle of Tuesday, then move eastwards through Tuesday afternoon and evening.

"The rain will turn quickly to snow on hills, then also to low levels in places. Three to five centimetres of snow is likely above 200 metres, with up to 10cm in a few places. A patchy covering of one to two centimetres is possible at low levels, although some places will see no snow at all.

"As skies clear overnight, ice is likely to form on some surfaces. In addition, wintry showers will follow into western areas on Wednesday morning, giving further slight accumulations of snow in a few places."

Bournemouth council and Borough of Poole have activated their Severe Weather Emergency Protocol during the cold spell.

A spokesperson said: "Every person sleeping rough in Bournemouth and Poole will be offered shelter overnight due to the predicted cold weather over the next few days."

The Met Office is reminding people some roads and railways are likely to be affected, with longer journey times by road, bus and train.

People are also urged to take care on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths due to icy surfaces.